Co2 tank refills for calcium reactor

[Brockly]

Super random question. But I figured getting your co2 tank refilled was easy. But everywhere I called in the city only does tank swaps not refills... do you all just swap tanks every time, or do you have places refill and give you back your own tank?

I spent $80 on the empty tank from BRS. And they want to charge $30 each time in a tank swap. I just never thought thst would be the scenario. Haha

 

[Bpb]

I bought all my current co2 tanks on craigslist for under $20 a piece and it costs $15 locally for a swap.

Your only option is a swap honestly. Or find an ugly used tank and swap that one out, and just keep your nice shiny tank for yourself....though it won’t be very functional. I’ve heard this complaint so many times from new calcium reactor users. Buy a pretty new tank but can’t get it filled. Very common. Most places only do swaps. That’s normal.

I’d return the new tank, or accept that you’ll be using ugly dingy tanks that pass inspection and just move on. Name of the game. I’ve been there. I was furious the first time I walked out with a tank that looked like it was from the Soviet era after handing them my first brand new tank that looked like it could be a display ornament itself it was so shiny

 

[Snoopy 67]

IF I want to wait a day or 2 I can get my new tank filled.
IF I want another right away it's a swap.
They filled the new one right away the 1st time though.

 

[reeftivo]

SWAP here!

i use Air Gas and their swaps always look practically brand new

 

[WWIII]

I use air gas as well, but they only swap. 90% of the time you will get new looking aluminum tanks. If the tank doesn't look nice ask them if they have a better looking one or wait a week. I don't know anywhere that will fill on the spot, but I'm sure they exist?

Even Ryan at BRS says not to buy a new shiny tank from them because it will get swapped out. I don't really know why they sell them?

 

[Brockly]

Yeah I guess I had no idea. I figured you just had to buy the tank. I’m sure I can buy one from the local place on my first use for cheaper then $80 thst BRS sells them for. I will just do swaps but wanted to see what the deal was as it caught me off guard. They will fill my tank but quote 2-3 weeks. Swaps are fine. But I wanted to paint my tank all cool and stuff... guess not... haha

 

[135zman]

1st time looking to fill a new empty tank or swap out my new one as discussed in this thread. Can you tell me the exact description the CO2 gas to get from my local from Air Gas branch? Air Gas’s Online order system has all sorts of CO2: food grade, industrial grade, medical USP grade, various % mixes, bone dry grade, instrument 4.0 grade, etc.. i’ve read on other threads to just get welding grade, the kind for soda machines or for carbonating beer, but not the type for paintball guns. Air Gas doesn’t have a simple description like welding, soda machine or beer brewing. Any suggestions on what you buy?

 

[135zman]

1st time looking to fill a new empty tank or swap out my new one as discussed in this thread. Can you tell me the exact description the CO2 gas to get from my local from Air Gas branch? Air Gas’s Online order system has all sorts of CO2: food grade, industrial grade, medical USP grade, various % mixes, bone dry grade, instrument 4.0 grade, etc.. i’ve read on other threads to just get welding grade, the kind for soda machines or for carbonating beer, but not the type for paintball guns. Air Gas doesn’t have a simple description like welding, soda machine or beer brewing. Any suggestions on what you buy?

 

[ca1ore]

Swap is much better than a refill anyhow because you always end up with a certified tank. I pay around $30 for a 20 lb swap. Not entirely sure what food grade actually means, but I always get that. My local Airgas is now closed to customer walkins though.

 

[Silent]

I used to just go to the welding supply shop to refill tanks for CA reactor and kegerator. You could trade in or have them refill your own tank.

 

[Snorkelsteve]

1st time looking to fill a new empty tank or swap out my new one as discussed in this thread. Can you tell me the exact description the CO2 gas to get from my local from Air Gas branch? Air Gas’s Online order system has all sorts of CO2: food grade, industrial grade, medical USP grade, various % mixes, bone dry grade, instrument 4.0 grade, etc.. i’ve read on other threads to just get welding grade, the kind for soda machines or for carbonating beer, but not the type for paintball guns. Air Gas doesn’t have a simple description like welding, soda machine or beer brewing. Any suggestions on what you buy?

Food grade is what you want. It is the typical CO2 used for beer and such.

 

[Rafa]

Here in San Antonio tx we refill our tanks at beer brewing companies u might want to google brewing companies around your area

 

[Mikeltee]

Yep you wasted your money getting a fancy tank. Should have went to craigslist. If you do find a filler it may take days for them to get to it.

 

[Rafa]

At the brewing companies we go to u just bring your tank and they fill for $15 but that’s here in San Antonio

 

[lakai]

go to a paintball shop

 

[135zman]

Thanks for all the feedback. Regarding paintball shop, I read specifically not to use the CO2 fron there because it is most likely a blended gas. I’ll try local brewery first and then get food grade from Air Gas as a backup option. And yes, I did waste money buying a brand new tank from BRS. Wish I had found this advice first.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

You can also look for HVAC supply shops. I use one where I’m at sometimes to swap tanks for my home brew kegs. Usually runs between $10 - 15 for a swap at most places.

 

[lakai]

Thanks for all the feedback. Regarding paintball shop, I read specifically not to use the CO2 fron there because it is most likely a blended gas. I’ll try local brewery first and then get food grade from Air Gas as a backup option. And yes, I did waste money buying a brand new tank from BRS. Wish I had found this advice first.

It's all the same, I use it and its fine.

 

[Snorkelsteve]

Thanks for all the feedback. Regarding paintball shop, I read specifically not to use the CO2 fron there because it is most likely a blended gas. I’ll try local brewery first and then get food grade from Air Gas as a backup option. And yes, I did waste money buying a brand new tank from BRS. Wish I had found this advice first.

I use to drop my tanks off at AirGas for them to get filled (Not exchanged) but the local place won't fill them anymore, only exchange. It did suck the first time they told me that and I had to give them my nice clean and shinny tank in exchange for a crappy old one but in the end its probably better since you wont have to pay to have your tank hydro tested every few years since they will always provide you with a tank that has been tested recent enough you shouldn't ever have to pay that fee.

I have a couple that I swap out so I never run out of CO2 and I would say that most of the time I get a pretty decent looking tank. You can also request a "newer" one and most of the time they will exchange it for decent looking tank.

 

[dadnjesse]

Co2 is Co2 it doesn't matter where you buy it.